The Fujifilm X-E4 was introduced as a minimalist yet capable camera in Fujifilm’s X-series lineup. Designed with a focus on portability and simplicity, it became a favorite among street photographers and casual users. However, its design choices—while appealing to some—left other photographers wanting more. The X-E4's ergonomics and control scheme, in particular, sparked debates about usability.
As Fujifilm continues to refine its offerings, a potential X-E5 could address these shortcomings while retaining the core appeal of the X-E series. Here’s how Fujifilm could elevate the X-E5 into a must-have camera for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Ergonomics: A Compact Camera That Feels Better in Hand
One of the main critiques of the X-E4 was its lack of a proper grip. While the flat design complemented its minimalist aesthetic, it made the camera difficult to handle for extended periods, especially with larger lenses. And although there is an optional hand grip and thumb grip it adds bulk. And the thumb grip takes up the hot shoe which I don't like since there is no built in flash in the X-E4. The X-E2 was the last XE camera to include the flash and was a really good designed camera but was bigger than the X-E3 and X-E4.
What Could Be Improved:
- Integrated hand and thumb grip: The X-E5 could benefit from a modest built-in grip, similar to the one on the X-E3. This would make the camera more comfortable to hold while maintaining a sleek profile.
- Improved Materials: Using a textured, grippy material for the body would enhance handling, even without a prominent grip. A tactile finish could make the camera feel more premium and functional.
Controls: Bringing Back Tactile Precision
The X-E4 removed several physical controls compared to its predecessors, opting instead for a cleaner, more simplified layout. While this decision appealed to users seeking a minimalist aesthetic, it frustrated photographers who value the tactile experience Fujifilm is known for.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dedicated ISO Dial: Fujifilm could reintroduce a dedicated ISO dial, similar to the one on the X-T4 or X-Pro3. This would provide quick, intuitive access to ISO settings—a feature that appeals to manual shooters. But I don't expect this to happen as this line of cameras have never had. However, pushing boundaries is what Fujifilm is all about so why not.
- Improved Command Dials: The X-E4’s command dials were functional but lacked the precision of other Fujifilm cameras and they removed the back dial from the previous version. The X-E5 could benefit from larger, more responsive dials with a satisfying click, enhancing the overall tactile experience.
- AF Joystick: While the X-E4 did include an autofocus joystick, its small size and placement weren’t ideal. In my opinion, it was placed a bit low in comparison to other models. A slightly larger joystick with better ergonomics would make focus point selection smoother and more intuitive.
- Customizable Buttons: Fujifilm should increase the number of customizable buttons, providing users with more flexibility to tailor the camera to their shooting style. Adding a front-facing function button could also improve usability.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
The X-E4’s compact and lightweight design made it highly portable but also led to concerns about durability. Additionally, the lack of weather sealing limited its usability in challenging conditions. Its a natural pair with the f2/2.8 primes lenses with most featuring weather sealing, especially 27mm f2.8 WR. Adding weather to the camera would make it a solid traveling companion for all weather conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weather Sealing: Adding weather sealing to the X-E5 would make it more appealing to travel and street photographers who shoot in unpredictable environments. Fujifilm has proven it can integrate this feature into compact designs, as seen with the X100V.
- Robust Build Materials: The X-E5 could feature a magnesium alloy chassis for increased durability while maintaining a lightweight form factor. This would make it a more robust companion for demanding photographers.
Lens Ecosystem Synergy: Balancing Size and Versatility
The X-E4’s small size pairs beautifully with Fujifilm’s compact prime lenses, such as the XF 23mm f/2 and XF 35mm f/2. However, using larger lenses with the X-E4 could feel unbalanced due to the lack of a grip and its minimalist design.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dedicated Compact Lenses: Fujifilm could release new compact prime lenses optimized for the X-E series, further enhancing its appeal to street and travel photographers who value portability. I full line of pancake lenses from 24mm - 85mm would be ideal but understand that would be an engineering nightmare. It would force some lenses to be slower than f2/2.8 at certain focal lengths.
I think a Fuji XF 23mm f2.8 pancake with good quiet autofocus would be great!
Performance Upgrades: Keeping Pace with the Competition
While the X-E4’s image quality was excellent, the X-E5 needs to offer meaningful performance improvements to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving mirrorless market.
What Could Be Improved:
- Improved Autofocus System: Fujifilm’s latest autofocus technology, as seen in the X-H2 and X-T5, should be integrated into the X-E5. Faster subject tracking, better eye detection, and improved low-light performance would make the camera more versatile.
- Faster Burst Shooting: The X-E5 could offer a higher burst rate, appealing to photographers who shoot action or fast-paced street scenes.
- Extended Battery Life: A more efficient processor or a larger battery could extend the X-E5’s battery life, addressing a common concern among X-series users.
Maintaining Affordability and Accessibility
One of the X-E4’s strongest selling points was its relatively affordable price. Fujifilm should aim to maintain this accessibility with the X-E5 while introducing meaningful improvements.
What Could Be Improved:
- Balancing Features and Price: While adding features like weather sealing would increase production costs, Fujifilm could strike a balance by offering these upgrades in a slightly higher price tier without alienating budget-conscious users.
- Multiple Kit Options: Offering the X-E5 with a variety of kit lens options, including compact primes or versatile zooms, could make it more appealing to different types of photographers.
Why the X-E5 Matters: A Niche Worth Preserving
The X-E series occupies a unique position in Fujifilm’s lineup, offering a compact rangefinder-style alternative to the X-T and X-Pro series. However, with the X-E4 representing a shift toward minimalism, some photographers felt it lost part of its identity.
What the X-E5 Could Represent:
- A Return to Form: By addressing the X-E4’s shortcomings, the X-E5 could recapture the balance of form and function that made earlier models so beloved.
- A Gateway for New Photographers: The X-E5’s portability, simplicity, and affordability could make it an ideal entry point for photographers new to Fujifilm’s ecosystem.
The X100V and Ricoh GR series of cameras have proved that the camera market wants stylish, compact, and useful cameras to compliment and replace their smartphones. While image quality is important the user experience has to become the primary driver in an age where every camera is good enough for all things.
Conclusion: A Better Future for the Fujifilm X-E Series
The Fujifilm X-E4 was a step forward in some ways but fell short in others. It was minimal, add a tilt screen, and decent video features.
A follow-up X-E5 has the potential to not only address these shortcomings but also solidify the X-E series as a cornerstone of Fujifilm’s lineup. By improving ergonomics, enhancing controls, and integrating modern features like weather sealing and advanced autofocus, the X-E5 could become a versatile tool for photographers seeking a compact yet capable camera.
Fujifilm has the opportunity to refine the X-E series into a camera that balances vintage charm with modern performance. If executed well, the X-E5 could be the perfect companion for street, travel, and everyday photographers looking for something lightweight, powerful, and uniquely Fujifilm.
My name is Jason Logan. I'm a photographer and content creator from Northern NJ. My hometown is Jersey City. I love boxing, MMA, basketball, and documenting life.